Multitasking of Ig-α and Ig-β to Regulate B Cell Antigen Receptor Function

Abstract
Since their discovery as signaling subunits of the B cell antigen receptor (BCR), Ig-α and Ig-β are discussed to serve either a redundant or distinct function for B cell development, maintenance, and activation. Dependent upon the experimental system that has been used to address this issue, evidence could be provided to support both possibilities. Only recently has it become clear that Ig-α and Ig-β possess a unique signaling identity but that both together are required to orchestrate proper B cell function in vivo. Here we discuss some of the underlying mechanisms that may involve direct coupling to discrete subsets of BCR effector proteins, such as protein tyrosine kinases or the intracellular adaptor SLP-65/BLNK.

This publication has 104 references indexed in Scilit: